While FIFA 2005 may have the chants, the licensed teams and the realistic-looking players, Pro Evolution Soccer 4 has the realism and fluid gameplay of the real thing, an X-factor that keeps it on top of every other soccer title.
OK so FIFA is the officially licensed product and although it has certain advantages and more appeal to some gamers in terms of its amazing accuracy, there's no doubt in the minds of Pro Evolution Soccer's loyal fans that the gameplay has the edge over the EA title. Yeah, OK so PES admire FIFA's latest instalment where FIFA 2004 boasted 16 worldwide leagues, 350 teams, 10,000 players blah blah blah but like I’ve stressed now and stressed before... It's the gameplay, realism and playability, which make the game.
In terms of licensing for PES I feel they have done a very good job. Don't forget that Konami secured the rights to the Spanish, Italian and Dutch football leagues for PES4. The English, French and German leagues are also there, ok so some player names are a bit dodgy but hey.
PES4's charms are many but it's their cohesion that clinches it for us. It may not be a flawless facsimile, but the things it does do right are weighted and integrated in a manner that reflects real football. And like real football, we never see enough of it. Don't forget that Pro Evolution is absolutely light years ahead of FIFA when it comes to sheer playability, representation, realism and gameplay.
With the continuing exception of penalties, everything in PES4 is a skill and the relative difficulties of things like defensive headers and goalbound bicycle kicks are arguably comparable to what you'd find in the park. And, just like real football, that makes it all the more entertaining when something unusual happens, like breaking upfield and scoring a goal in a visceral flurry of one-twos, fleet-footed front men and diving headers... I could add more to how and why it's better than FIFA but my point for this post is about the insignificance of licensing in order for PES to be any better. So I’ve gone off the point about licenses not being everything but you get my point, I’m sure...